Setting up a Bank Account

Your first task when getting settled is to head over to the nearest bank with all the necessary documents. The local bank will help you set up an account and issue a debit card.

International students from India and Philippines usually need a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) with ScotiaBank or ICICI Bank before coming to Canada. This is a monthly investment to help cover initial living expenses. After the first payment, monthly instalments will be set-up to cover expenses such as rent, utilities, food, medical, phone, Wi-Fi etc.

Bank Timings: Monday to Friday (10 a.m. to 4-5 p.m.). Most banks are closed on Sunday.

Some of the popular banks in Canada include:

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
• Toronto – Dominion Bank (TD)
• Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)

ABMs

Canada has automatic banking machines (ABMs) which are located in most shopping centres, tourist attractions and banks, as well as in some convenience stores and gas stations. Most ABMs are operated by a major bank. While you can withdraw cash from am ABM not operated by your own bank, you will be charged a small fee for withdrawal from a local account, and more from a foreign bank.

• All ABMs can be used for cash withdrawals.
• Please enquire about international withdrawal fees from your bank back home before attempting to use your ABM card in Canada.
• Check with your bank whether your card will be accepted at Canadian ABMs, and whether the networks used by both banks are compatible.

Your bank can inform you about networks and international withdrawal fees.

Campus Accommodation

First year students usually get guaranteed accommodation by their college or university, either on or off campus. You can choose to live in a private room or on a sharing basis with other students. The campus residence provides students with many opportunities to get involved in their college community and have an enriching academic experience.

Things to find out:

• Are you sharing with someone?
• What do you use to access the room and the residence building?
• Can you have guests stay with you?
• How close is it to campus?
• What utilities are included: bedding, Wi-Fi, laundry etc.
• Is there a mess for food?
• How can you travel from residence?

Homestay

Homestay is an opportunity to live with, and be part of a Canadian family. The host family will provide three meals a day, depending on the plan chosen, and offer a supportive environment to learn and practice your English language skills, and help with your transition into the local culture.

• Best for: Experiencing local culture, practicing English and receiving support
• When to Apply: At least 6 weeks in advance.
• How much? Usually $850 per month, excluding placement fee & refundable damage deposit

For more information, please visit the Homestay website.

Renting in town

If there is trouble securing accommodation, request the student services for alternative options. Check with the housing office or student union office on campus for a current list of rental units nearby. Since such private accommodations are not inspected by the institutions, it is your responsibility to contact the landlord, inspect the premises and determine their suitability.

Keep the following factors in mind when searching for accommodation:

• What does the rent include?
• Does it offer utilities like washing machines, Wi-Fi etc.?
• How close is it to school?
• What is the nearest bus stop and how frequent are the buses?
• How long a lease do you have to sign?
• What is the notice period?

You can also check online for places to rent on sites like this one.

Temporary Accommodation

Those needing a temporary place to stay in until they rent or buy a home can find useful information on hostels and hotels here.

Housing

Types of housing in Canada include:

• Houses (detached, semi-detached houses or townhouses)
• Condominiums (condos)
• Rental apartments (with 1-3 bedrooms or bachelor units)
• Rental rooms (private rooms in large homes)

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is the national housing agency. For information on renting or buying an apartment or house, please click here.

Before deciding to study in Canada, you should ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your costs of living. As part of your student visa application, you must provide evidence that you can cover your living expenses while studying in Canada.

Precisely how much you will need will vary depending on what and where you are studying, and the type of accommodation you choose, and, of course, on your own personal lifestyle.  In Canada, some costs vary according to your choice of a university and college, or even the provinces you will live in.

But, on average, students will spend up to CAD 10,000- 15,000 a year on living expenses, whether in a college or a university.

Please note: The costs below are an approximate guide only. Students should be aware that these costs will vary depending on where and what you choose to study in Canada.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the type of course, where you study and how long you study for. From postgraduate degrees that are either one year for Masters and Diplomas, or 4 year long Doctorates to graduate programs that take 3 years or even short-term English language courses, there are a variety of qualifications to be had at different yearly costs.

LIVING COSTS FOR COLLEGES

TUITION

Post-secondary programs: Usually CAD 14,000-15,500 per year

LIVING EXPENSES

10,000-12,000 a year (not including tuition)

1. Insurance

Insurance should typically be included in the tuition.

2. Accommodation

There is a wide selection of spaces to choose from- be it halls of residence (on or off-campus), home stays or off-campus flats.

• On-campus accommodation may include a meal plan (Tip: Certain times of the year are pricier, such as the autumn semester) The cost usually includes an application fee. Another factor effecting cost is the type of room you are allocated or select, with private rooms costing up to 10,000 for semesters starting in September.

September-April: 6000-8500 CAD for the 8-month period (depending on location of campus and opting for a meal plan)

May-August: CAD 500-600 a month (without a meal plan)

• Homestays allow international students to live with a Canadian family where they are given a private bedroom and 1 to 3 meals a day. Costs depend on proximity to the college and may range from CAD 800-1000 a month.
• Off-campus accommodations usually cost CAD 45o-500 when shared, or 600-650 if you are renting with en suite arrangement.

3. Miscellaneous

Includes expenditure on clothing, toiletries, maintenance, and entertainment like hobbies and travelling. Many tertiary education institutions offer discount cards for students. Expenses come CAD 900- 1200 for a year depending on one’s lifestyle.

4. Textbooks

Expenses on books and other academic material can cost anything between CAD 500-2000.

5. Food

Estimated monthly costs for groceries are CAD 300-400, and CAD 3500-4500 annually. Alternatively, explore a meal plan for CAD 5000- 5500.

6. Transport

All Canadian cities and most towns have buses, and some areas offer cheaper bus fares for students. Bus passes in some colleges are free while in other colleges are about CAD 80-100 for a year’s pass. These passes allow for free travelling within the city, and typically can be used from the first day of class.

7. Phone & Internet

Choose from monthly account plans or pre-paid plans for mobile phones. A basic to full plan can cost anything between CAD 25-50 a month, or CAD 300- 600 annually. Phone service providers often come to campus during orientations, offering special student plans.

8. Technology

Phones and laptops, if they need to be purchased, will cost around CAD 2000.

LIVING COSTS FOR UNIVERSITIES

TUITION

Graduate programs: CAD 10,000-25,000 per year

Undergraduate: CAD 15,000-50,000

LIVING EXPENSES

10,000-15,000 a year (not including tuition)

1. Insurance

Insurance should typically be included in the tuition. Those interested in getting medical insurance will have to pay CAD 450-500. An extended health and dental plan will cost about CAD 250-300.

2. Accommodation

There is a wide selection of spaces to choose from- be it halls of residence (on or off-campus), home stays or off-campus flats.

• On-campus accommodation may or may not include a meal plan. The cost depends on the type of room you are allocated or select, and rooms are in the range of CAD 5,500-10,000.
• Homestays allow international students to live with a Canadian family where they are given a private bedroom. Costs depend on proximity to the college and inclusivity of meals, and range from CAD 500-1000 a month.
• Off-campus accommodations can be rented at CAD 500 on a sharing basis per month and can go up to CAD 850 for independent townhouses.

3. Miscellaneous

Includes expenditure on clothing, toiletries, maintenance, and entertainment like hobbies and travelling. Many tertiary education institutions offer discount cards for students. Expenses come CAD 900- 1200 for a year depending on one’s lifestyle.

4. Textbooks

Expenses on books and other academic material can cost anything between CAD 1000-2000.

5. Food

Estimated monthly costs for groceries are CAD 300-400, and CAD 3500-4500 annually. Alternatively, explore a meal plan option for CAD 4000- 5000. Meal plans work through swiping for each meal, very similar to using a prepaid card.

6. Transport

All Canadian cities and most towns have buses, and some areas offer cheaper bus fares for students. Some universities include a complimentary annual bus pass in the tuition fee, depending on the city and institution. These passes allow for free travelling within the city, and typically can be used from the first day of class. When not inclusive, annual bus passes for students can be purchased for CAD 500-600.

7. Phone & internet

Choose from monthly account plans or pre-paid plans for mobile phones. A basic to full plan can cost anything between CAD 25-50 a month, or CAD 300- 600 annually. Phone service providers often come to campus during orientations, offering special student plans.

8. Technology

Phones and laptops, if they need to be purchased, will cost around CAD 2000.

The best ways of exploring your city are here…

Transit

In Canada you have many options for travelling within your city and exploring parts of the country as well. Some commonly used modes of transport are:

Walking
Walking is the easiest way to travel short distances all the while familiarizing yourself with your surroundings. Purchase a map of your city and set out to discover parts of it.

Buses
Bus travel in Canada includes local transit or long-distance vehicles. Besides local transit, there are bus-line companies that offer a network of reliable bus services throughout the country, including:

Calgary-Banff: Banff Airporter
Rockies: Brewster Transportation & Tours
Toronto/Montreal: Coach Canada, Gray Line
Quebec: Orléans Express
BC: Pacific Coach Lines
Canada and USA: Greyhound
Airbus service to and from London or Toronto: Robert Q
Vancouver-Seattle: Quick Shuttle

Cabs/Rentals
If you are unable to find public transportation, local cabs can be hired through companies like Yellow Cab or Uber. You can also rent a car from Hertz, Avis, Alamo and Budget, found in major airports, if you meet the driving license conditions listed in Local Know-How.

Cycling
Bikes are a popular way for students to travel around campus and across town as well. Certain campuses provides bike lockers for storage purposes.

Rail
VIA Rail provides passenger rail service in Canada. This includes twice-weekly service between Montréal and Halifax as well as transport between Montréal and Toronto to Vancouver.

Airplane
Flying is the fastest way to travel across Canada. Canada has two large air carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Regional airlines include Porter Airlines, which flies out from Toronto Island Airport to Ottawa, Montréal, Halifax and a number of U.S. cities. All Canadian carriers provide online booking services and a range of prices.

Driving

If you are staying in Canada for less than three months, you can use a valid driver’s licence issued by your country. If you are staying longer than three months, you must obtain an international driver’s licence (IDL) from your country of residence.

Some facts:

• The IDL is a special licence that allows motorists to drive internationally with a valid driver’s licence from their country of residence.
• You must apply and get this license in your home country since applying in Canada is not allowed.
• The license is also required if you wish to hire or buy a car locally. Take note of Canadian driving rules.
• Car rentals are available for those holding a valid driver’s licence. Generally, the minimum age to rent is 25.

Obtaining a license in Canada

There are three stages to obtaining a driver’s license:

G1: Similar to a learner’s license that requires a fully licensed driver to accompany you at all times.
G2: You are allowed to drive on your own with a few exceptions.
G: You can drive anytime and anywhere in Canada.

More information on driving in Canada is available here.

If you have more than 2 years of driving experience in your home country, please review the information contained in this link on how that experience can be acknowledged.

How to make calls, Canadian phone and postal services, and more!

Stay Connected

Getting a local SIM is important to stay connected. You can either buy a new phone for a Canadian SIM, or check the compatibility of your current phone with local Canadian servers.

Make sure you understand the terms of your contract including:

• Fee for international calls and any free minutes
• Limits on text messages or calls
• Length of the contract or month-to-month terms
• Financial penalties for ending a contract early

Maple Assist Top Tips:

• When you sign up for a home or mobile plan, you will generally need to provide two kinds of identification (permanent resident card, driver’s licence, passport etc.)
• If you are carrying a phone from home, don’t forget to take the charger along, and buy an adaptor
• Campuses usually provide free wi-fi
• You can also build a credit score in Canada by paying your bills on time on a contract phone